Jon Jones Says Stats Show He Is Better MMA Wrestler Than Chael Sonnen

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has yet to be taken down in his UFC career, as the former NJCAA national wrestling champion from Iowa Central continues to display ever-evolving MMA skills. His perfect takedown defense mark will likely be put to the test this April when he faces Chael Sonnen at UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen.

Sonnen, who has trained with the likes of Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, took UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva down several times in their first meeting, nearly defeating “The Spider.” Jones was asked who he feels is the better MMA wrestler between himself and Sonnen during a recent appearance on UFC Tonight.

“Chael takes down a lot of opponents, but he has been taken down by Demian Maia,” Jones said. “Right now, I haven’t been taken down by anyone. I’m not going to say that it isn’t possible, but I’m going to have to say it’s myself based on the stats.”

The two will go head-to-head on The Ultimate Fighter beginning January 22, as they coach teams of fighters opposite one another. While Jones entered filming for the series with plenty of hatred for Sonnen, he has started to warm up to him a little since.

“My opinion of Chael has been altered a little. I have realized that he is really good at putting up an act and that when he isn’t acting he is a pretty solid individual,” Jones said. “I am glad I got to spend this time with Chael because my thoughts of him were pretty brutal, so he’s redeemed himself a little.”